A Hull primary school has warned parents not to let their children use an app which has been described as "ideal for peadophiles."

Marfleet Primary School told parents on its Facebook page it had come to the school's attention that children in the area are using an app called Live.me - which could put them at risk.

The new chart-topping social networking app has become a huge hit with children and teenagers and allows users to live stream themselves to others, who can view the video in real-time and chat to them.

The school warns in some scenarios children are being asked to "carry out specific tasks".

Miss Hunt, wellbeing and safeguarding officer at the east Hull school, said: "We are part of an academy and the information about the app was shared with all schools and colleges within the academy.

Marfleet Primary school has warned parents over the live.me app

"We haven't been told any of our pupils are on the app, but it has been used in colleges and we know some of our pupils do have older siblings.

"We share everything we hear of with parents so they can be aware. We try to keep up to date with everything so we know whatever kids are into at the minute.

The Facebook post asks parents to check their children's phones, iPads, tablets and desktop computers to make sure they aren't using the app.

A view of the live.me app on a computer

The post has been shared by concerned parents and also commented on. One parent said: "Ideal app for peadophiles. Educate yourselves and your kids."

What is Live.me

Live.me bills itself as being the place to live broadcast video chat with over 25,000,000 people from 85 countries.

It says you can use it to discover, meet, connect with new people near you or around the world.

To an inexperienced user — such as a child, or a parent — it could easily be mistaken for a harmless environment in which to find new friends.

But there has already been several reports of young children being paid to flaunt themselves - and worse - during live chat.

The site insists it is only for those aged 13 and over — but no proof of age is required to sign up. It takes just seconds to register an account.

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Children can broadcast themselves and viewers are able to send typed messages and tip the ‘broadcasters’ with virtual gifts that they buy through the app.

When the broadcasters have collected at least 40,000 of these ‘gifts’, they can ‘cash out’ — exchanging the virtual gifts for real money.

A spokesperson for the NSPCC said: "Video is one of the most popular methods of communicaton for young people.

"You may find it helps your child to stay in contact with family members, talk with multiple friends at any one time, or just get creative.

"But there can also be risks. It's important that both adults and children understand the dangers involved in using video apps and broadcasting live content - and what to do to keep children and young people safe."

A child uses a tablet

What are the risks of video chat?

The NSPCC says: "Some sites encourage users to talk to strangers.

"Video conversations can be recorded and shared without their knowledge - causing distress or embarrassment.